As its name suggests, Zellersee is all about
its lake. It’s not a huge lake, but what it lacks
in size it makes up for in sheer convenience.
You can literally slide out of your sleeping
bag, forward-roll through your tent-flaps
and slip straight into the lake’s watery
embrace: the perfect way to wake up. This tranquil waterhole lies in the breathtaking Chiemgau valley in the Geigelstein nature reserve next to the Alps. Enough said.
Afterwards, treat yourself to a nice hot coffee
and fresh bread from reception whilst you
decide what to do with your day. A bike ride
to the Chiemsee (9 miles/15 km) where you
can swim some more? A paddle boat cruise to the Herrenchiemsee – a collection of
Versailles-like palaces. Or perhaps you fancy
some more watery action at Lake Taubensee –
just a 1,138-metre hike up the hill.
For those preferring a flight of fancy, there’s the world-famous gliding school in
nearby Unterwössen, offering gliding and
paragliding. This is the place to catch the
most amazing thermals – the kind that keep
you afloat for up to 560 miles (900 km), so
make sure you know how to get down before
you take off.
In the evening, unwind with a beer from
reception and reflect on how everyone
around seems to be so smiley. Is it that
there’s a community ambience that fills
every camper with a warm glow? Or could it
be that you forgot to get dressed after your
morning dip? Whichever it is, Zellersee is an
open-minded place, so just keep smiling.
